Support for Blackpool homeless continues

Blackpool Council found emergency beds for more than 400 people during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, a report has revealed.
More than 27,500 meals were handed out to homeless peopleMore than 27,500 meals were handed out to homeless people
More than 27,500 meals were handed out to homeless people

At the peak around 96 people were housed in 11 B&Bs, but that has now reduced to 70 in eight b&bs, with around 163 households in total still in temporary accommodation.

But around 200 households have now been “successfully resettled”, with most (82 per cent) going into private rented homes, supported housing, back to their home towns or returning to their family homes thanks to the help of the council’s Housing Options team.

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A small number (around 13 per cent) have left without leaving details of where they are now living, with four people returning to rough sleeping.

Another 60 have been found council accommodation, mainly in flats.

An emergency shelter on Chapel Street has reopened as temporary accommodation, while soup kitchens in the town are up and running again including on a takeaway basis.

Between the start of lockdown and July 1, more than 27,500 meals were handed out to homeless people thanks to a joint effort between the council and volunteer groups.

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The council says measures have helped reduce the number of homeless people in the town, but figures are not yet available to show how many

Coun Neal Brookes, cabinet member for housing and welfare reform, said: “As we enter a new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to build on the progress we have made and adapt our services to ensure that a vital programme of support remains in place.

“As ever, we will be working closely alongside our partners and charity organisations to support those who are homeless or may be at risk of homelessness.

“It is so important to understand each person’s needs and circumstances – only by doing this can we properly protect those individuals who are at risk and move towards our goal of ending homelessness.”